The Issue

Outstanding air and water quality, security in our communities -- Oregonians value what makes our state an exceptional place to live. These will be threatened by the construction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import and storage terminals that would have significant environmental impact and safety hazards for communities near the Columbia River Estuary and Coos Bay.

LNG is methane gas (aka “natural gas”) that has been chilled to –260 ºF for shipping from the Middle East, Russia and other gas producing countries. Because of its long transport distances, the carbon impacts of LNG are similar to newer coal technologies. Take action now >>

The construction of LNG terminals will have a detrimental impact on the ecosystems of both Coos Bay and the Columbia Estuary. The LNG ports proposed in the Columbia River Estuary would include high impact dredging in critical salmon rearing and migration habitat, and industrialize areas that are key for salmon recovery in the Columbia. Similarly, the proposed Coos Bay LNG project would put the unique salmon and wildlife habitats as well as the people of Coos County at serious risk.

The inherent fire threats related to LNG are significant. Estimates from the U.S. Sandia National Labs found that even a partial LNG tanker breach would cause a fire that was over a half-mile wide that would burn for 20 minutes. This magnitude fire would likely level Oregon communities like Astoria, which sits just hundreds of feet from where LNG tankers would travel. LNG tankers and facilities have been identified as a major terrorist target and the fire risk zone around LNG tankers is at least 3 miles. Take action now >>

California has repeatedly refused to allow LNG import terminals in California because of the safety and environmental risks. California, however, has ten times the gas use of Oregon and has significantly higher gas prices. As a result, LNG speculators are wanted to use Oregon as the backdoor for shipping this high-risk fossil fuel to California, although local Oregon communities have little to gain from the higher priced California markets. In addition, Coast Guard ships typically shut down all water traffic when LNG tankers come into and out of ports – who will pay the bill for this? Take action now >>

Texas based Northern Star has proposed one LNG terminal in Bradwood, Oregon, 38 miles up the Columbia River, and New York-based “Oregon LNG” has planned a separate facility for Warrenton, Oregon, just west of Astoria. In Coos Bay, California’s Pacific Gas and Electric is behind the plan for an LNG import terminal, which would pipe gas directly into California. This proposed pipeline would cut across over 150 miles of privately owned land to just south of Klamath Falls, near the California border. Each of the Columbia Estuary projects would also include over 200 miles of high-impact pipelines across the coast range and the Cascade Range that would be used to send gas to the California bound pipeline in Madras. Take action now >>

The pipeline will cross five pristine rivers and hundreds of streams, creating a 75-foot-wide clearcut corridor. A large portion of the project would surrender private land that may be subject to eminent domain claims to benefit corporate investors. Erosion, watershed damage and lowered property values will be its legacy.

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Take Action

Oregon state agencies, such as Oregon DEQ and Dept. of Land Conservation, have a real opportunity to help stop the proposed LNG projects by proposing air and water issues that would deny necessary permits. Please contact Governor Ted Kulongoski and ask him to oppose the Columbia River and Coos County LNG projects and direct state agencies to take a firm stand against them. To send a letter, follow the instructions below.